Nigerian rapper and activist, Falz, has publicly denounced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it unconstitutional and an overreach of executive power.
The move, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has sparked widespread debate about its legality and implications for Nigeria’s democracy.
Taking to social media, the rapper strongly criticized the suspension of Governor Fubara, emphasizing that no law permits a president to remove a duly elected governor except through impeachment. He questioned the rationale behind the president’s decision, asking whether Rivers State was truly in a state of crisis severe enough to warrant such extreme measures.
In his statement, Falz wrote:
“Rivers State, there is ABSOLUTELY NO LAW that allows a president to SUSPEND a governor. A Governor is elected into office and may only be removed by impeachment. Also, is Rivers State at war? Is there an actual breakdown of public order? Is there a threat to the existence of the federation?”
Falz’s criticism echoes growing concerns among Nigerians, opposition parties, and legal experts.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has also rejected the move, arguing that the president overstepped his powers. Legal analysts warn that suspending an elected governor through a state of emergency could set a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.
